Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1887-07-16
TIE PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
Exe writes = Letter Explaining @hY
sac wiz Net Sss Present az NJ. Louis.

H8e VIII Net 6e Present a. S. A4SHs%-
ST. LOUIS, Mo. July - Mayor Francis
/ chairman of the special committee ap
pointed in February last by the general
executive committee, having in charge the
preparations for the Grand Army eneamp-
ment, to invite President Cleveland To
visit the city, received the following re
Spouse BY mail to-day.
Gentlemen: While have hitherto made
no formal response TO yOurinvitation, given
in February last, to myself and Mrs.
] Cleveland, 10 attend the national encamp-
ment Of the Grand Army Of the Republic,
TO be held in ST. Louis from the 27th 10
the 30th OF September next, | have
verbally indicated my purpose 10
accept it, if l should ind IL possible
then to be absent from Washington. The
statement contained in your letter that the
organization was never in 50 flourishing a
condition as now, nor its membership half
so large; that no effort is being spared by
the citizens Of st. Louis TO insure q welcome
Of unusual warmth at this, the first en-
campment of that body ever held in a
Southern State, and your suggestion, that
no compliment more fitting could be he
slowed upon the valiant defenders of the
common country by the Chief Executive
Of the restored Union, and none would De
more highly appreciated than that confer
rcd BY his presence at such q time and
place" enlisted my feelings and interest.
More recently indications have been
disclosed that, however correctly
you expressed the prevailing sentiment in
the Grand Army, there are members Of
some of the posts Of that body entertaining
different feelings in respect 10 my accept
ance, and that my acceptance Of your inyi-
tation would lead 10 discord in the organi-
z1tiOu, as well rs an interruption OF cordial
ity at the coming encampment. Without
entering into q discussion Of these opinions,
and unmSyed by any feeling, although /
deeply regret the condition, can bat re-
gard it my duty to refrain from contributing
By my action to so undesirable a result.
Nothing can be Of greater importance in
connection with the enclmpment than the
free and unreStrained manifestation hy
its participants Of that patriotic fraternity
OF feeling suggested by the selection Of the
place Of holding it, and which Is at once
proof Of the complete success of their arms
and the highest glory OF our veteran sol
diers. | am constrained, therefore, 10
withhold my purp0sed acceptance OF yoar
invitation. In doing 50 assure YOU OF
my uufeigned hope and sincere wish that
in the agreeable entertainment prepared
for them BY the hospitabIe people OF 81.
Louis the Grand Army may enjoy the most
pleasant profitable and useful reunion ia
their history. Very truly yours,
GROVER CLEyEIASp.
ST. LOUIS, No., July THE Presidents
letter to Mayor Francis, withdrawing his
acceptance of the invitation Of the people
Of St. Louis to visit this city during the
Grand Army encampment, has stirred up
hot and diversified expression OF opinion.
The committee that took the invitation to
the President feel that their labor has been
In vain, and are strong in their dennneia-
ton Of the men who were instrumental in
the defeat Of their plan. The cha grin was
so great with many that they wished TO or
ganize Immediately to invite the Grand
Army to find another place for their en-
eampment, and some promised a very icy
reception to the gallant soldiers. There
were many Others, however, who sa9 the
wisdom Of the Presidents course, and
were pleased that the city has been relieved
Of what promised to be an unpleasant al
fair. Many feel that the city has been hui
Initiated, and are indignant about II. but
agree that the Grand Army's encampnient
shall be glorious success, and that al
some other time the President shall have
reception In keeping with the high Office
ne held. A committee was appointed 10
draw up resolutions to be submitted 10 a
mass meeting Of citizens tomorrow after
noon. These resolutions will embody an
invitation TO the President to visit this city
during Fair week, early in October, or al
some other time that may suit his conyen-
fence, and will promise him an euthusi-
astic reception. A citizens committee viii
then be appointed to again visit the Presi-
dent and endeayor to induce him 10 come.